Embossing mechanism



Dec; 9, 1924. 1,519,005

7 W. J. PANNlER, JR

EMBOSSING MECHANISM Filed March 16, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A Dec. 1924- 1,519,005

w. J. PANNIER. JR

EMBOSSING MECHANISM Filed March 16, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 an e V o o INVENTOR %oz w 6 l Dec. 9, 1924. 1519,005

W. J. PANNIER, JR

EMBOSSING MECHANISM Filed March 16, 1923 3 sheets-Sheet 5 nay/41 M Patented Dec. 9, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM J. PANNIER, JR., OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 PANNIER BROS. STAMP (10., OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, CORPORATION OF PENN- SYLV'ANIA.

EMBOSSING MECHANISM.

Application filed March 16, 1923. Serial No. 625,629.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, \VILLIAM J. PANNIER, J r., citizen of the United States, residing at Pittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Embossing Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in embossing dies, and particularly to the stamping units therefor. It has in view to provide means for assembling a series of such unitary stamping elements in circular or curved arrangement, for the purpose of stamping metal in circular or curved lines, as for instance, the heads of drums, barrels, etc., or in any circular or curved arrangement, as well as straight.

Ordinarily, in such operation, the stamping units are arranged in an upper and lower holding base in co-acting registering series, male and female, with corresponding series or sets of characters capable of acting upon the sheet metal blank between them. The type or stamping units are usually mounted or located in either base in concentric lines, whereby the radii of the several circular series are necessarily variant.

In the use of the individual die members, when of the same size, the variation in the radius of two or more such arrangements of annular series involves difliculty in properly locating the embossing type or stamping members, which ditliculty it is the purpose of the present invention to overcome.

I have found that, by so constructing the die members as to provide for contacting engagement within the mounting or carrying base and its parts, of the corner portions only of the individual die members, that their assemblage and location in proper radial and concentric arrangement is greatly facilitated, and the proper malntenance of the relative position of the individual units is accomplished in a satis factory and accurate manner, as hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrating certain approved adaptations of the invention,-

Fig. 1 is a of embossing characters,

face view of one complete set mounted and secured in the holding frame comprising the male series;

Fig. 2 is a similar view comprising the female series;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view through a portion of both of said members, on the line III-III of Fig. 1, showing the operation upon an intervening sheet metal blank;

Fig. & is a perspective detail view of one of the male embossing units detached;

Fig. 5 is a similar view of one of the female units;

Figs. 6 and 7 are face views, showing the manner of mounting such units with a permissible clearance due to a reasonable variation in the radius of the retaining strips;

Fig. 8 is a face view, showing a unit of modified form incorporated in position, in relation to adjacent similar units, adapted to mounting in either curved or straight rows.

In utilizing the invention, the stamping units are mounted on a suitable lower stationary base 2 incorporated with the stationary supporting frame or bed-plate of the stamping machine, and also on a similar base 3 comprising a co-acting reciprocably movable pressing member of the machine. With each of such bases are provided one or more annular securing or mounting channels for reception of the stamping units a and b respectively, between embracing an nular holding or securing strips 4, 4t and 5, 5, respectively, as shown in Fig.

The several annular holding strips l; and 5, either outer, intermediate, or inner, and of varying width and concentric curvature, are secured to the bases 2 and 3 respec tively by any-suitable means, as securing screws 6 and 7. In case of the male member series, the stamping elements a are merely inserted between the vertical faces of such spacing and holding strips, but in the female members 25, they are provided with terminal transverse grooves or channels 8, adapted to be engaged by co-acting inwardly extending flanges or tongues 5 on the engaging edges of the annular strips 5.

For the purpose of avoiding the possibility of improper insertion of the female Ill) units, as upside down, in sliding them into position between adjacent strips 5, the grooves 8 at opposite ends of the type mem bers b are offset on different levels, as shown, the flanges 5 being offset to a corresponding degree, as shown. As thus arranged and mounted, reciprocation of the base 3 allows for placement of the sheet metal blank 0, and the compression of such blank between the stationary and movable co-acting stamping units in the usual way.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be observed that the embossing members of each series are arranged with their meeting faces in contact with. adjacent members on radial lines, utilizing individual stamping members a similar to that shown in Fig. l. The distinctive feature of each of such members is that their top or outermost end faces 9 are fiat, or at least recessed below the con caved retaining edge of strip 4t. or 5. By this arrangement, the opposite corners 10 only make contacting engagement with the inner curved faces of the surrounding annular strip member. Also, that the inner end portion of such member a is rather acutely conoaved, as at 11, of a radius considerably less than that of the smallest radius of the co-acting inner holding strip 4 or 5, whereby the inner corner portions 12 of such unit only make contact with. the outer rounded face of the strip.

In the form of member shown in Fig. i, the end portions 13 of the stamping members are arranged substantially in radial lines, enabling the mounting of the members compactly in circular formation, either with the faces in contact throughout their length or with a slight spacing apart at one end or the other.

Such arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, as to the outermost annular row of type. lVhere twoor more such arnnul ar rows are arranged, it is possible to utilize the same standard form of type, but with an intervening space between the adjacent faces, at their innermost portions, where the type are located in an annular series of a larger radius than that of the normal size provided for, as in Fig. 6, but with an outer intervening tapering space where the type are arranged in an annular series of a less radius, as in Fig. 7. The result in either case is that the type may be compactly associated with their outer corners contacting or their inner corners contacting, dependent upon the radius of the annular receiving groove and the confining strip members.

lVith either arrangement, it will be observed that the corners 10 or 12 only make contact with such strip members, whereby each individual type is positively located in proper radial arrangement, quite independent of actual contact throughout the face portion of the type at either end.

For the purpose of providing type which may also be used in straight lines or rows, as indicated at the lower cross portion ofFigs. 1 and 2, the type may be made of the form illustrated in such figures and shown in detail in Fig. 8. In such case, the outer end face 9 is fiat, as shown, or sufiiciently recessed away from the inner concave face of the outer retaining strip, when used in curved arrangement, the opposite end face 11 being also concavely curved in the manner and for the purpose already described.

The innermost side faces 13, in such construction, are tapered inwardly, as shown, for the purpose of providing compact assemblage and with complete contact of the faces with the faces of adjacent type, or with slight divergence, dependent upon any variation in curvature from the normal curvature for which the normal or standard type members are designed to interfit with.

The outer side faces 14, in such construction, are parallel with each other for about one-half of the length of the type at each side, as shown in Fig. 8. The advantage of such construct-ion is that the type may be compactly arranged in straight rows or series, for straight line stamping, by bringing the parallel faces 1% into direct contactwith each other throughout the series, the faces 18 diverging from each other to a corresponding degree, due to such straight line arrangement, as shown.

The upper face 9, if made straight as is the preferable construction, thus adapts itself to continuous contact with the end portions of the strips 4:, and to the co-acting or aligning faces 15 of the terminal securing blocks 16 of whatever shape these may be. Such blocks are secured against the base plate 2 by screws 6, in the same manner generally as are the strips 4: and 5.

The lower edge portions of the type members contact by their corners 12 with the straight retaining strip 17, suitably mounted and held by similar screws to the base, blocks 16 being secured at each end of the series in the same manner.

It will be understood that the spacing of the coacting male and female membersis accurately and carefully adjusted, and maintained by proper spacing blocks or blanks 18, of suit-able formation, approximating the shape of the type members with which they are associated. Also, that the type members adapt themselves to various combinations and arrangements upon the supporting bases, accompanied with suit able and properly shaped retaining strips, spacing blocks, etc., to fill the various spaces occurring in different designs and arrangements of lettering, numbering, etc.

The invention adapts itself byreason of the facility and elasticity of the application of the stamping members to many and valoo Ill)

rious arrangements, either for fixed or continuous use or providing for periodical changes or re-locations, as in the case of dating stamps. In making a set or sets of the stamping members according to my invention, it will be understood that certain standard dimensions will be observed and unitary measurements or sizes will be adopted to ensure for regulation and proper uti lization of the space, dependent upon the character of the letter, figure, or other stamping element utilized, as to its width in comparison with the other associated members.

Thus, in the case of the letter I, the block will be narrow as compared with the letter M, and such variation will occur throughoutthe alphabet, but with only a comparatively few variations in the maximum width of the complete set or sets. The height of the several members throughout is uniform, ex-

-cept where there is a variation in the size of the characters themselves, in which case, of course, the same rule as to proportions of the body of the several stamping elements will be observed.

Incidentally, in the case of extra wide type, as for M or IV, the corners may be cut away beyond the normal corner position of a standard or ordinary size type, so that such extra wide type will easily interfit with adjacent type and with the retaining strips, etc.

The advantages of the invention reside in the ease and facility with which the several elements may be associated and quickly brought into their proper operative position and then secured. The necessity for special care in the placement or alinement of the stamping elements is very largely obviated, and the several advantages heretofore pointed out will be readily appreciated by all those familiar with this class of stamping mechanism.

It will be understood that the proportions of the elements, as well as their shape, may be varied from or modified within a considerable range, dependent upon the application and use to which the stamping elements are to be put. For instance, if it is desired to arrange them in an undulating line, as in a reverse curve or scroll, then both ends of the type may be made concave, as at 11, and the side faces may be correspondingly varied, as by tapering them towards each end from the middle portion, providing for actual contact of such middle portion of each stamping member with its adjacent member only at the middle. In such case, the corner portions 10 and 12 of the type will make contact only with the retaining strips, and the easy adjustment and alinement of the type, as before stated, can be readily effect-ed.

Having described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base and securing means thereon, stamping type members having corner portions only engaging the securing means.

2. In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base and securing means thereon, stamping type members having corner portions only engaging the securing means, and a tongue and groove connection between the type members and the holding means.

3. In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base and securing frame members mounted thereon having confining edge portions providing type channels, stamping type units having terminal corners engaging said edge portions with intervening clearance. I z

4. In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base and securing frame members mounted thereon having confining edge portions providing type channels, stamping type units having terminal corners engaging said edge portions and tapering side faces.

5. In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base and securing frame members mounted thereon having confining edge portions providing curved type channels, stamping type units having corners engaging said edge portions and tapering side faces.

6. In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base and securing frame members mounted thereon having confining edge portions providing type channels, stamping type units having terminal corners and concavely recessed at one end adapted to bear by the corners of said end only against the face of one of said channel edge portions.

7 In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base having a supporting bottom and holding frame members thereon having oppositely located. confining edge portions providing intervening type receiving channels, of stamping units therein provided with inner contacting bases and outer stamping faces and engaging the oppo site edge portions of the frame members by the corners of their opposite edges between their inner contacting bases and outer stamping faces.

8. In embossing mechanism, the combination with a holding base having a supporting bottom and holding frame members thereon having oppositely located confining edge portions providing intervening type receiving channels, of stamping units therein provided with inner contacting bases and outer stamping faces and engaging the opposite edge portions of the frame members by the corners of their opposite edges between their inner contacting bases and outer stamping faces and provided with tapering side edge faces providing for intervening clearance between adjacent stamping units.

9. An embossing type of the class described having an inner contacting base, an outer stamping face, and an intermediate concaved end.

10. An embossing type of the class described having an inner contacting base, an outer stamping face, an intermediate concaved end, and an opposite intermediate flat end.

11. An embossing type of the class de scribed having an inner contacting base, an outer stamping face, an intermediate concaved end, and intermediate tapering sides.

12. An embossing type of the class described having an inner contacting base, an outer stamping face, an intermediate concaved end, and provided With opposite side edge portions provided with faces disposed in varying planes. 18. An embossing type of the class described having an inner contacting base, an outer stamping face, an intermediate con caved end, and provided With opposite side edge portions provided withfaces disposed in partly parallel and partly tapering planes.

In testimony whereof I hereunto at my signature.

WILLiAM J. PANNIER, JR. 

